Category: photography

Photographers, I know you are freaked out and panicking from the cancellations and reschedules. I know you are trying to figure out any last-minute ways to make money. But for the health, safety and security of this nation and your clients just stop already.

So to be clear this means:

No minis

No social distance headshots

No porch portraits

No outdoor portraits

No shot through a window portraits

No green eggs and ham Sam I am portraits

This is the best and clearest explanation of why people need to stay at home you could ever wish to see pic.twitter.com/49MgadlctI

I know at first, it seemed like this whole mess was just like “the flu.” Then we heard the stories out of Italy with hospitals being brought to their knees.

Video of a hospital in Spain. Watch it. Watch it again with the volume up. Now cancel that brunch. Postpone that coffee meet-up. Rain check that dinner with friends. Sucks doesn’t it? But not as hard as this 👇#COVIDー19#coronavirus#StayAtHome

The sooner we all hang up our hats for the moment, the sooner we can get back to business. This is sad difficult work. Stopping what you love doing isn’t easy. Trust me I love photographing couples everyday. It’s not easy watching photography contracts and money fly out of the window.

What we can do:

Sell gift certificates

Reschedule for the fall

Book portraits for later

Call your mortgage company and see what options they have

Write a song

Talk to your landlord about rent options

Start a Patreon

Dance

Write a book

Be generous

Start a Tik Tok

Play music

Write a poem

Work on your marketing

Check-in on your clients

Start a VIP group

There is no way to get around this. There is only through. We are all in this together. This will take extreme sacrifice and generosity from your clients, the government, landlord and mortgage company. This won’t be easy for anyone. Stay brave my friends.

Mike Allebach is a photographer in the Philadelphia suburbs currently holed up in his basement unable to take photos at his studio at this time.

Boudoir. Sexy. Raunchy. Exciting. Trashy. Empowering. Degrading. Everyone has his or her own opinion when they hear the words “Boudoir Photography,” but just what is it really?

In French, “boudoir” refers to a lady’s private dressing room or bedroom. Traditionally, a boudoir session refers to a solo woman posing partially clothed or in lingerie. The photos are tasteful, sexy, classy and elegant.

Couples Boudoir aims to achieve all a solo boudoir session does, and more. At Allebach photography, we believe couples boudoir is more than photography – it’s the art of getting close to that special someone in your life.

There are a lot of misconceptions and skewed beliefs around boudoir photography. Below we attempt to debunk them once and for all.

Misconception #1 – Boudoir Photography is like having sex in front of a stranger

Let’s get it out there in the open. Boudoir is not porn, it’s not even sex.

“I think the most common misconception is that we’re actually having sex while getting photographed. This is obviously not happening. There is a lot of kissing and caressing and closeness. It’s a super intimate and sexy and FUN experience, but no one is having sex,” says Kayla Cook.

Misconception #2 – You have to have a perfect body or be a model

Everyone deserves to feel sexy, beautiful, loved and to be proud of their body. Your jean size, your age, your shape, none of it matters. Couples boudoir is about celebrating your relationship, inside and out, flaws and all. We celebrate and bring to light what makes each couple unique.

Misconception #3 – You must get naked

You do not have to be naked. You don’t even have to get down to your underwear. Your boudoir session is about capturing the true essence of you and your partner. If that means sporting your favorite band tee, go for it! Then again, if it means stripping down to nothing but a pair of stilettos or converses that’s perfectly ok too.

“Mike let’s you do what you want, you don’t have to take off what you don’t want to. Initially, I was nervous and was standing fully clothed, by the end I was walking around topless and in panties. I felt sooo badass,” said Melinda Stinson.

Misconception #4 – You can’t hang up or show off your art because it would be considered pornographic or narcissistic

Who says you can’t anchor your love and life with wall art and albums – especially in your own home?

“That you wouldn’t be able to show off your art because it would be ‘pornographic’ – which is 100 percent not the case. I have our album on our coffee table for everyone to see!” said Antonia Blanda.

Misconception #5 – They’re only for women looking to please their men

Whether you’re interested in a couples or a solo session, boudoir is something you do for YOU, and you first. While there are many women that will book a session to give as a gift for their significant other, just as many women (and men) are signing up to do something special for themselves or their relationship.

Misconception #6 – Your photos are going to end up all over the internet

False. When you sign on to do a session with us, your photos are accessible only to you. We provide you with a password-protected gallery and all photos are completely private unless you decide you want to do a model call or sign a model release.

Misconception #7 – Boudoir is not for shy or “awkward” couples

Some of our most dynamic sessions are with couples that self-identify as “shy” or “awkward”. It’s normal to feel a bit awkward in the beginning of a session, especially if this is your first time, but once we get started you’ll see how quickly it can be to get into your groove and let the camera fade away.

Misconception #8 – Boudoir sessions are sleazy or tacky

Many couples out there on the fence about doing a session are hesitant because of this misconception, perhaps one of the biggest falsities. Boudoir is not trashy or tacky. With the right photographer, it can be not only sensual, sexy, and tasteful, but empowering too!

Misconception #9 – Boudoir is something you do only once

Many clients return for a second, even a third boudoir session. Clients say it makes them feel great about themselves and enhances the quality of their relationships. Think about couples boudoir as a fun alternative to couples therapy!

Are those cute Snapchat filters actually making us feel worse about our bodies?

By Christine Wolkin

We live in a world where beauty standards are constantly evolving and now, with filters that can remove freckles, lengthen eyelashes and widen our eyes, edited selfies have become the norm.

Medical professionals are beginning to argue that those Snapchat filters that transform our faces into cute little woodland creatures with big eyes and smooth skin are hurting our self-image in bigger ways than we could ever imagine.

“A new phenomenon called ‘Snapchat dysmorphia’ has popped up, where patients are seeking out surgery to help them appear like the filtered version of themselves,” says Neelam Vashi, director of Ethnic Skin Center at BMC and Boston University School of Medicine.

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine’s Department of Dermatology recently published an article in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery, delving into how selfies and filters can negatively affect our body image and trigger body dysmorphia, a mental disorder that causes people to be extremely preoccupied with a perceived flaw in appearance that to others can’t be seen or appears minor.

People who have BDD tend to obsess over their appearance and body image, often checking the mirror, grooming or seeking reassurance for many hours a day.

“For someone with BDD, their entire life’s balance hangs on whether they look okay or whether they’ve camouflaged their perceived flaw appropriately,” says Tom Hildebrandt, PsyD, chief of the Division of Eating and Weight Disorders at Mount Sinai Health System in New York City.

Individuals that suffer from BDD will often go to great, and often unhealthy, lengths to hide their imperfections, including going under the knife.

In 2017, a survey by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that 55 percent of surgeons reported seeing patients who requested surgery to look better in selfies.

“Today’s generation can’t escape ‘the Truman effect’ because from birth they are born into an age of social platforms where their feelings of self-worth can be based purely on the number of likes and followers that they have, which is linked to how good they look or how great these images are,” British cosmetic doctor Tijion Esho, who coined the term “Snapchat dysmorphia” earlier this year in 2018.

The JAMA article goes on to state that this alarming trend presents an unattainable look and blurs the line of reality and fantasy for us.

“Filtered selfies can make people lose touch with reality, creating the expectation that we are supposed to look perfectly primped all the time,” says Vashi, who is also one of the authors of the article. “This can be especially harmful to teens and those with BDD and it is important for providers to understand the implications of social media on body image to better treat and counsel our patients.”

Looking at a photo of yourself and not seeing the same thing reflected in the mirror or an unedited photo can make people unhappy, says Vashi.

“It can bring feelings of sadness, and then if one really develops this disorder, that sadness clearly progresses to something that can be dangerous and alarming,” she said.

Approximately 80 percent of people that suffer from BBD suffer from suicidal thoughts and about a quarter of those individuals have attempted suicide, according to a 2007 study by Primary Psychiatry.

Vashi says one of the most powerful tools in helping fight “Snapchat dysmorphia” is awareness, either through cognitive behavioral therapy or by simply changing your negative thought patterns. Simply being aware of what’s real and what’s been heavily altered with photo manipulation tools can ground us back to reality and remind us of our own innate beauty.

While posing with these filters can be fun, it’s important not to lose sight of who you really are behind them. Photo editing has been around for hundreds of years now and while digital manipulation and our high standards for beauty aren’t likely to go away anytime soon, we are the ones that allow them to hold any power over ourselves.

If you’re looking to capture your true beauty, ditch the filters altogether. Put on a favorite article of clothing and head outside for some gorgeous natural lighting.

Better yet, contact us at Allebach Photography to capture your true natural beauty, inside and out. We offer couples boudoir, boudoir, headshot, wedding, engagement and family photos and are located in the Philadelphia suburbs. Contact us today at 610.539.6920 or visit us at www.allebachphotography.com/contact.

Top 8 Things to do on Your Couples Boudoir Getaway: Lancaster

This year, Forbes voted Lancaster, Pa., one of the “10 Coolest U.S. cities to visit in 2018” and on your Couples Boudoir Getaway with Allebach Photography, we want you to find out why.

Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It is a 43-foot (13 m) tall Gothic Revival memorial which stands in Penn Square in downtown Lancaster.

Located just 80 miles west of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Dutch Country is about more than just Amish whoopee pies and horse-drawn carriages (though they have their invaluable places here).

Their food and drink scene has been compared to those of hipster havens like Portland and Brooklyn.

Below, check out our must-sees for experiencing all of Pennsylvania Dutch Country.

Shady Maple Smorgasbord

Most people who have been to Shady Maple before will tell you this place alone is worth the drive. Discover the experience of dining at Lancaster County’s largest smorgasbord featuring 200 feet of authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cooking. At Shady Maple, some of Lancaster County’s finest cooks prepare all your favorite Pennsylvania Dutch foods, as well as some exciting new dishes. Daily dinner specials including steak, prime rib, and seafood, just to give you an idea of what’s in store.

Fulton Theatre

This stunning Victorian theatre not only boasts memorable shows but is dripping with historical significance. Before this site was a theatre, it was the site of Lancaster’s pre-Revolutionary jail. From on-stage musical productions and experimental studio plays to workshops and apprenticeships, the Fulton Theatre provides a space for Lancaster, and the surrounding areas, to experience the theatre. Today, the Fulton Theatre produces a mix of comedies, dramas, and musicals, employing the talents of professional directors, designers, actors and playwrights from across the country.

Thistle Finch Distillery

Only a short walk from the heart of downtown Lancaster, Thistle Finch Distillery’s tasting room provides a rustic, yet elegant destination away from the distractions of modern life. Step back in time with a classic rye whiskey cocktail or enjoy free samples of their distinctive, small batch spirits. Whether you are looking to learn about the history and process of distilling, taking a tour, or just want to relax with a drink and quiet conversation, Thistle Finch has something for everything.

Lancaster Central Market

Can’t get enough of those good old-fashioned Pennsylvania Dutch treats? You’ll find plenty more when the sun rises at Lancaster Central Market where farmers and craftspeople hawk everything from homemade bread and whoopie pies to goat cheese and just-picked vegetables, alongside Amish quilts and toys. The market is open Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

Wolf Sanctuary of PA

Located in northern Lancaster County, the Wolf Sanctuary of PA is 80 acres of natural woodland dedicated to the Speedwell Wolves. Originally created as a private rescue, guided tours are now available, giving visitors the chance to view more than 40 wolves in their natural habitat and to learn about their behavior and biology. The only way to view the wolves is by guided too so make sure you make a reservation before going.

Rockford Plantation

For the Revolutionary War nerd in all of us, Rock Ford Plantation is the 18th Century mansion and estate of Revolutionary War General Edward Hand, who served as Adjutant to George Washington. A cast of actors moves from room to room sharing hauntingly beautiful stories of the people who have come and gone from this estate built in the late 1790s. During the guided tour of the mansion, visitors learn about Edward Hand’s personal and military history as well as the background of the mansion and the artifacts contained therein.

Clipper Magazine Stadium

Take me out to the ball game. Clipper Magazine Stadium, which held its first game in 2005, was honored as the “Ballpark of the Year” by the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball following the end of its 2013 regular season. The 6,000 seat stadium also serves as the corporate headquarters for the Atlantic League. One of the ballpark’s highlights is Hess’ Picnic Pavilion, a concession stands with a red barn façade that includes a traditional ballpark menu with an emphasis on items produced in Lancaster County. In 2011, the Lancaster Barnstormers added the Silverball Museum Arcade, a coin-free attraction that includes nostalgic arcade games from the 1930s to some of the video games played in the present.

Lancaster Brewing Company

Lancaster County has a long beer-brewing tradition and is a hotbed of the craft beer industry.Lancaster Brewing Company unites their obsessive commitment to quality ingredients with equal measures of creativity, skill, and experience, to brew consistently great beer. Inspired by long and rich brewing traditions, they brew in the heart of Lancaster County, alongside scores of old-world craftsmen, independent farmers, working the more than 5,300 local farms, and their fiercely independent Amish neighbors.

This is the wall collection I helped Pat and Ed put together for their home. The photos are taken in Philadelphia right outside the Philadelphia Art Museum. Love how this collection looks together! So awesome.

When I met up with Pat and Ed at the Philadelphia Art Museum, I could only think one thing, this is what true love looks like. They were playful, fun and in love. Their infectious laughter had me cracking up behind the camera. Couldn’t have asked for a sweeter couple.

Our photo session was timed perfectly, if I do say so myself, with an incredible sunset in the background and an awesome couple in the foreground, what could make a photographer happier!?

Photographing Pat and Ed at the Philadelphia Art Museum was the perfect way to showcase their love. They are a strong, beautiful and confident couple and the Art Museum is nearly as strong and beautiful as they are. The intricate architecture of the Philadelphia Art Museum has always stood out to me, and now whenever I am in Philadelphia and see the Art Museum, I will think of Pat and Ed, the love they share and the fun we had.

Once the session was over, I went back to the Photo Loft and put together a collection of photographs for the amazing couple. They loved everything almost as much as I did! I had the honor of helping Pat and Ed put together a wall collection. Four of the beautiful photographs we created during their session are hanging in their house for everyone one to see, and I have to admit, it looks pretty cool!

To a hundred more years together, Pat and Ed!

We’d love to hear from you! Give me a call or shoot me an email if you want to set up your own forever session with your SO 🙂

Mike Allebach is called The Original Tattooed Bride Photographer by Rock n Roll Bride and The Tattooed Wedding Photographer by Inked Magazine. He works with both tattooed and non-tattooed couples in Philadelphia, Allentown, Baltimore, Lancaster, North Wales, Brooklyn and Washington D.C.

elmwood park zoo, giraffe, norristown, wedding

This outdoor wedding near West Chester, Pa shows off a fun new unique tradition. Have you ever thought about doing an Irish Car Bomb on your wedding day? Neither did I until I saw this couple make it happen. The officiant ended up finishing part of the bride’s drink. Even if it’s not your cup of tea as they say, you have to admit this wedding tradition takes the cake for being unique. Want us to photograph your wedding? Just shoot us a message on the contact me page.

There are some couples you meet that completely balance each other out. One of them, Dakota and Mike, were married at The Heritage Trust in New York’s Mt. Sinai. Their ceremony didn’t last more than 10 minutes, and then they were ready to party. We brought the photo booth all the way up to Long Island for some silliness! We stuffed our faces with all vegan indian food. Afterwords we headed to Dave and Buster’s to get the wedding jitters out and to burn off that energy from the pent butter jelly cookies!

So I photographed my brother’s wedding at the beautiful Ironstone Ranch in Elizabethtown, Pa! It’s rustic, there’s room to run, and the wedding party was drawn by a horse and carriage! Venue details at bottom of post.

As everyone gears up for the holidays, we take time to remember those we love. Mike was honored to be this year’s photographer of 12 beautiful women for Bonedaddys Tattoo’s “Calendar for a Cure”. All proceeds go to the Brave Eli Foundation (www.braveeli.com) which donates directly to finding a cure for childhood cancer.

Lovebirds. One in a beautiful Philadelphian Bhldn dress, and one with a belt buckle that says “Cocky”. They’re gigglers. Which makes them a perfect couple for the upscale but modern Front & Palmer wedding venue in Philadelphia. We stopped at the 2nd National Bank on the way for some unforgettable pictures.

Picture perfect bride and groom, locations, food, and perfect pictures! Robyn and Brent had their first look and ceremony at the lovely Philadelphia historic landmark, The Powel House. Food and fun followed with delicious food tapas at Amada Restaurant.

Check out this wedding! Oh and don’t miss all the delicious Garces Group food at the bottom.

Here’s the Trash the Dress session at the Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia! Not so scary… more like a love story.

We have photographed more weddings, engagements & trash the dress sessions at Eastern State than any other wedding photographer. If you are looking for a photographer to take photos of you and your fiance in a prison we are your best choice. Whatever your style, we can accommodate a prison bound session starting at $600.

ATTENTION: This wedding is adorable. The personal details by our photographer-bride Paula, as well as the oldest surviving botanical garden in North America came together with the obvious love between this couple to create absolutely beautiful pictures.

Check out the engagement reference with the wrestling masks!

Batram’s Gardens was their wedding venue!
It is the oldest surviving botanic garden in North America. Located on the west bank of the Schuylkill River and it covers 46 acres.

Check out these gorgeously and custom styled studs (suits by Enzo Custom Clothiers). On a beautiful day on the Asbury Park boardwalk, the lovebirds went strolling for some excited pictures. Next, the Parlor Gallery, a colorful art gallery for our colorful couple to be married. Lastly, on to McLoone’s Supper Club on Ocean Avenue to literally dance the night away!

Check out this very local Blue Bell wedding at Normandy Farm! Bright and flowery, this wedding just puts a smile on your face. We loved the personalized details; the bridesmaids’ bracelets, the superhero cufflinks, the hashtag napkins.